You only need to walk past a pub or bar in central London on a Thursday evening to see the hoards of city workers gathering over a pint or glass of wine. And whilst responsible drinking remains a pleasurable activity for many,  companies can benefit from  considering how they can be more inclusive of non-drinkers when it comes to team bonding.

There might be people in your team who don’t want to drink for health, personal or religious reasons, all of these should be taken into account by companies looking to create a more inclusive culture. In light of this, here’s some different ways companies can bring their team together:

1. Masterclasses

Masterclasses and experience days are one of the best ways for your team to socialise outside of working hours. Masterclasses allow team members to do something fun and creative without the pressure of having to get competitive, allowing them to feel comfortable and be themselves among their colleagues. Some examples of masterclasses or experience days might include candle making, cookery classes, or even meditation sessions for those working in stressful industries.

For a hybrid masterclass, why not consider a mocktail making masterclass to bring together both alcohol enthusiasts and drink-averse team members?

2. Art classes and wellbeing workshops

For those looking to unwind and relax as a team, art classes and wellbeing workshops have increased in popularity over the years. Not only are they a great way for teams to bond together, but these sessions are much more relaxed so great for non-drinkers and those who don’t enjoy competitive team events. These classes can include anything from sound healing to crystal workshops, and contemporary art  workshops.

3. Volunteer work

Organising a volunteer day or charity event can be a great way to give back to the community while also building team spirit. This also allows your employees to pick a charity or cause that’s close to them, helping them to feel that your workplace is one that supports their individual values and beliefs.

4. Sports day

Participating in a recreational sports league or organising a company sports day can be a fun and healthy way to bond with teammates, especially if your company role or industry is competitive by nature. Exercise is also a great way for teams to let off steam and decrease stress.

5. Video call quiz

For remote teams, video conferencing tools can be used to organise virtual team-building activities or social events such as a quiz. Instead of a one-off session after work, why not try and do it monthly or fortnightly on a quieter weekday, such as a Friday lunch? You could also supplement this with monthly in-person experiences so that employees have a chance to meet each other in real life.

 As teams become more diverse and inclusive, it’s important to think of the many different ways to bring employees together. Try some of the above to see which ones work for you and your team!